Preview of Quilt Market, continued…

Fractured Sky by Krista Moser uses the Creative Grids 60 Degree Diamond Ruler in a whole new way. Just two blocks make this exquisite design!

Heathside by Kathy Schmitz is made with just two layer cakes for dramatic effect!

These embroidery patterns are classic Kathy Schmitz – sweet and nostalgic! Home Sampler and Liberty Sampler fit perfectly in an 8 x 10 inch frame!

This pieced Santa will become a family heirloom.

All are due to arrive next month!

Preview of Quilt Market

The new releases that will be showcased at Market in Kansas City are starting to appear on the website. There are no rhyme nor reason to these – just new items that I know you will want to order NOW!

The newest releases from Quiltworx include a centerpiece that can be separated into slices of watermelon. What a perfect summer centerpiece! Yogo Saphire is a limited edition pattern – there will only be 500 sold!

Cuppa Joe Place Mats by GE Designs is a darling quilt as you go project. What a cute addition to your table!

Fractions by Swirly Girls is a geometric masterpiece that would be a great choice for that man in your life!

This latest Cut Loose Press™ pattern, Surprise Party Quilt by Terri Faust, showcases a new technique using the Creative Grids® Cat’s Cradle Tool.

This table runner by Eazy Peazy looks just like Margaret Travis! Modern, fun and playful!

The Cut Loose Press™ pattern, of course, is always in stock. The others are all due to arrive next month!

Jelly Roll Sasher

When five of the top 25 patterns are jelly roll rugs, you know this is a trend that is here to stay! And, now Pauline Roger’s new Sasher. These are due to arrive later this month so I haven’t gotten to try them yet – but based on Pauline’s other Sashers, this one is sure to be a winner – and speeds up the process considerably!

Don’t forget to order more patterns and batting as well!

Shabby Fabrics has created a hearth version.

This version by Aunties Two uses layer cakes!

With the popularity of wood floors, these remind me of Grandma’s braided rugs. They were at every door, beside every bed, and in front of every sink. One is just not enough!

Wool Mats to Fit your Needs

For all of you who already own a wool mat from The Gypsy Quilter and LOVE it, two new sizes are now available. I travel and teach most of the year and see you with your tray tables next to you for an ironing station. Now there is a mat to fit the most common size of table: 13 x 19-1/2 inches!

Please remember: These pressing mats can be used with a dry iron on any surface. If using steam, place the mat on a protected surface since moisture does go through the mat and can harm the surface below.

Perfect for that quilter on the go! But what about when you are in your sewing room? We have the answer for that as well! There is now one big enough to fit your Big Board – a whopping 22 x 59 inches! This 3/8″ wool mat is the perfect choice for pressing entire quilt tops.

If you haven’t tried these yet, here are the details and why you should:

Press any pieced or embroidered block with ease. The density of this high-quality 100% felted wool mat absorbs seams and stitches, effectively pressing both sides at once. Block knitted projects as well by pinning them directly to the mat. An added bonus? The texture of the wool stops fabrics from shifting so there is no distortion when pressing.

Tips and Tricks
The pressing mat can be used with a dry iron on any surface. If using steam, place the mat on a protected surface since moisture does go through the mat and can harm the surface below.

Never place the mat on a rotary cutting mat when pressing. The heat could warp the cutting mat.

If mat feels damp after use, hang to air-dry before storing. Wash the mat occasionally by rinsing it in cold water and hanging the mat until dry – especially if using spray starch.

Safe surfaces include Formica, Corian, stone, and metal (an ironing board). Wood and painted surfaces should be avoided.

A wool mat is a handy tool for quick pressing when kept next to your sewing machine.

Dream Bigger!

Who doesn’t love the Dream Big panels by Hoffman? They are stand alone gorgeous and make a stunning statement.

But how do you quilt them? Hancy has come up with a solution! They have template sets to get you started with design options so you can still add your own creativity.

Cindi McCracken uses them in a different way – she cuts them up and makes stunning quilts. Two of her latest creations will be arriving soon.

JoAnn Hoffman cuts them up for appliques in this spectacular bed runner!

Simply stunning!

Magnetically Yours

I love SewTites – the powerful magnets that you can use instead of pins. They work great on fabrics when you don’t want to leave a pin hole like cork, pleather, silks, and satins. And, I love to use them to stabilize the seams when sewing stretchy fabric such as Cuddle and Minky.

Now they have come out with new smaller sizes – perfect for working with wool and English paper-piecing. These circles are strong enough to hold two layers of wool together without slipping. They come in 3, 5, and 10 packs.

These mini bars are perfect for English paper-piecing and also come in 3, 5 and 10 packs.

Can’t make up your mind? Or, like me, you dabble in everything? Then get the Mixer pack which includes five of the original plus five of each of the new sizes. These new sizes are due to arrive in April so order now. They would be a great addition to your after Market show!

Stripology Mixology Drinks

For those of us who love the Stripology Mixology book by Gudrun Erla – and who doesn’t – the recipes are now available separately!

Everyone who knows Gudrun knows that she loves to cook and what goes great with everything? Her very own cocktail recipes! All of the recipes from the book are now available on a keychain printed on laminated cards. How cute is that???

Each card features a recipe on one side and a beautiful quilt on the other. What a perfect gift for your quilting friends! Why not host a quilt day and make one of the quilts from the book. Drinks anyone???